BMW M cars have long been recognized as the epitome of high performance and refinement. Building on BMW Motorsport's racing heritage, the long-awaited M3 is born of a tradition of innovative technology, sophisticated engineering and the determination to create one of the most exciting automobiles ever offered to American driving enthusiasts.
At the heart of the M3 is an engine destined to become legendary for its power, smoothness and durability. Displacing 3.0-liters, BMW's 24-valve in-line six delivers 240 hp at 6000 rpm, 225 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm, and propels the M3 to 60 mph in a mere 6.1 seconds. And considering its phenomenal power, it offers truly amazing fuel economy.*
These are the two key attributes of the BMW M3 engine. Whether you're snaking down a mountain road or negotiating urban traffic, the M3 power plant is the perfect engine for those who demand that breathtaking performance be accompanied by practical versatility.
BMW four-valve technology provides one of the highest specifc torque and powr outputs of any production engine worldwide. Exceptionally low gas-flow restrictions of the cylinder head ports guarantee optimzed gas exchange, resulting in excellent low speed torque and "free-breathing" at high revs.
Small, light valves enhance the reliability of cylinder head components. The centrally located spark plugs and compact combustion chamber increase efficiency for good fuel economy and impressive power output throughout the entire rpm range.
A variable valve timing system results in smoother idling, as well as increased torque and acceleration. Another feature -- knock control -- protects the engine from the inadvertant use of low octane fuel.
The M3 power plant is duly reliable, durable and requires very little routine maintenance aside from oil, filter and occasional spark plug changes. The result? Another added value for one of the most powerful 3-liter engines ever to be placed under a hood.
This highly sophisticated system analyzes and then actually fine-tunes the engine hundreds of times a second. Each cylinder is constantly adjusted to maximum operating efficiency under virtually all conditions. DME even has many fail-safe programs: in the unlikely event of an electrical fault, it can reconfigure itself to bypass the problem. And DME has the incredible ability to diagnose itself for quick and efficient trouble-shooting.
These are the attributes BMW engineers kept in mind when they created the suspension and braking systems for the M3. A lightweight susension handles better. But a nimble suspension also needs added strength to withstand the additional cornering forces generated. To take full advantage of the M3's amazing reflexes, the ABS was re-tuned for quick response.
Light and agile, the M3's fully independent suspension system has recalibrated springs that lower the chassis. The lower center of gravity enhances the handling, especially when cornering. Large-diameter anti-roll bars help the M3 remain stable in turns. And gas-pressurized shock absorbers provide more aggressive suspension damping during spirited maneuvers. The front suspension's "anti-dive" characteristics keep the car level under even hard breaking and acceleration.
The M3's suspension and steering systems are designed to provide important feedback to the driver, capitalizing on natural instincts. The result is an automobile that acts not as a separate entity, but as an extension of the driver's will. BMW's chassis engineers combined two approaches in the M3's steering: variable assst to help ease parking and low-speed maneuvers, and variable ratio rack-and pinion to achieve direct response characteristics.
What sets BMW apart from other contenders is our basic philosophy: the car and the driver are an interactive team. The close harmony between the driver's commands and the car's responses contribute to safer driving and to another important BMW objective: in addtion to superb performance, comfort, safety and quality, driving a fine sports coupe should be great fun.
* EPA estimated 19 mpg, 27 mpg highway (manual). Use estimated mpg for comparison to other cars. Your mileage may vary with speed, trip length and weather; actual highway mileage will probably be less.
BMW M3 Interior
BMW M3 Safety
BMW M3 Design
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